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Friday, January 11, 2019

Out in the Offense by Lane Hayes Blog Tour

Christian Rafferty is a talented quarterback with a big
secret. He’s determined to make the most of his final season on the football
field, and if possible, avoid any confrontations with his conservative parents
about his future. It shouldn’t be difficult; he’s become adept at keeping his
public and private lives separate. However, when a math class threatens to
derail his plans to graduate on time, he realizes he may need outside help.

Rory Kirkland has a reputation for being a tough guy. He’s a former wrestler
and recent college graduate who needs a real job. Until he finds one, tutoring
is a decent temporary gig. Luckily, his brain is his biggest asset. Rory is a
genius. He credits his sport for helping him deal with angst and rumors about
his sexuality when he was younger, but he doesn’t care what others think
anymore. He likes his new status as an out and proud bi man; and he recognizes
something of himself in Christian. But Rory didn’t count on falling for him.
When an unlikely friendship collides with intense attraction, both men begin to
realize that coming out on offense just might be the surest path to love.

"Can I do anything to help?” I asked, setting my backpack on one of the two barstools at the narrow counter space.

“Nope. As soon as the veggies are sautéed, we’ll be ready to eat. Want something to drink?”

“Yes, please. Water is fine. Where’s Buttons?”

Rory pulled a water bottle from the small fridge behind him and handed it over, then pointed at a basket next to the sofa.

“She’s hiding behind that basket. She’ll make an appearance if she decides you’re worthy. In the meantime, there’s bread in that basket on the counter next to your bag. Help yourself. I’ll bring dinner out.”

I thanked him, then twisted the cap from the water bottle and took a generous sip before rounding the corner in search of the bread. I was ravenous. I bit into the baguette with gusto before turning to check out my surroundings.

Rory’s apartment was tiny. Probably half the size of mine and much older. But unlike the rough exterior, it was…pleasant. Surprisingly so. A short wall delineated the narrow kitchen from the main living area. There was just enough room for a sofa, an ottoman, a TV console, and a smallish television. Two barstools were tucked under the small peninsula by the cut-out in the kitchen wall. The palette was basic “dude”… dark leather against stark white walls, though a large red throw rug anchored the room and provided a nice splash of color. It was simple—but tidy and very clean.

“Your place is cool,” I commented when he entered the room, carrying two plates and a large bowl.

“Thanks. Let’s sit on the sofa. We have more room to eat there,” he said decisively as he set his burden on the coffee table. “Help yourself. I’ll get some forks, napkins, and extra veggies.”

I obeyed and quickly got to work, scooping chicken fettucine Alfredo onto both plates. Rory joined me a minute later, handing over the silverware before taking a seat next to me. I shot a bashful sideways glance at him as I reached for a napkin.

“Do you eat like this every night?”

“It’s really nothing special. I make sauces in bulk and freeze them. Then it’s just a matter of adding protein and veggies. By the way, this Alfredo is a healthy version. If you want to drown it in parmesan, feel free. I won’t be offended. Cheers.” He tapped his water bottle against mine and winked.

“Cheers. And thanks again. This is incredible and very unexpected.” I smiled as I twisted the pasta around my fork.

“You’re welcome. You sounded anxious, but you said we’re cool. Are we?”

“Of course.”

Rory tilted his head and shot me a challenging look. “Then kiss me.”

“Um… now?”

“Yeah, now. The other night could have been a fluke. Instead of wondering, let’s get it over with. One kiss should be enough to tell. C’mere,” he commanded, leaning sideways.

I set my fork down and met him halfway until our noses brushed. Then I waited for him to make the next move. He stayed stubbornly still. When I couldn’t stand the growing tension, I pressed my lips to his. And wow… amazing.

Rory was a great kisser. He had the simple art of give-and-take down to a science. He molded his mouth to mine and gently pushed his tongue inside. The connection was sweet but bold. It was more about discovery than possession. I hummed as I snaked my arm around his neck, pulling him closer. He sucked my tongue, then bit my bottom lip playfully before pulling back.

“Definitely not a fluke," he said with a devilish grin.

Reviews by the
Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
I loved this book! The closeted college quarterback and his sexy statistics
tutor make a fabulous couple. And while the romance is sweet and fun, I was
also really impressed by the quality of the writing.

I was expecting a slightly fluffier book, so I was surprised by some of the
more thoughtful and reflective passages as Christian wrestles with his
identity. There is a subtlety to this book that was missing in the first two in
the series, and without the over-the-top drama, I found myself able to really
connect with both Rory and Christian.

This book mostly belongs to Christian, but Rory is equally wonderful. He’s a
little bit lost after graduation, but I love his confidence and his firm sense
of self. He’s a gentle giant – and a maths genius and I love that he refuses to
settle for a job when he wants a vocation.

I was expecting light entertainment – and this is an easy entertaining read.
But it is also a beautifully written book that made me stop and think a few
times. I think this is the best writing I’ve seen from this author and I would
recommend the story highly.

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series, and whilst it would stand alone fine, we
do meet up with previous leads and it does build on previous storylines.

Even though Evan came out last year, fellow team mate Christian is maintaining
his silence – however, his new stats tutor has him rethinking everything. I
really liked that he was at a crossroads in his life with regard to his
studies, future career, and so the story is about him taking control of his
future in general, rather than his acknowledgement of his orientation. It made
it a richer story and gave credence to Rory's comment about him living his life
in the opposite way to how he played.

The story is cute, and as their friendship builds, so the relationship becomes
stronger or vice versa – it is a seamless transition which works really well.
The guys are fun together and the wrestling scene is one of many super hot
moments to enjoy!

Lane Hayes is grateful to finally be doing what she loves best. Writing
full-time! It’s no secret Lane loves a good romance novel. An avid reader from
an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with
beautifully written characters. These days she prefers the leading roles to
both be men. Lane discovered the M/M genre a few years ago and was instantly
hooked. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books
have received Honorable Mentions, and won first prize in the 2016 and 2017
Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular
order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a newly
empty nest.

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